Fatigue-Induced Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Strength of the Hip Stabilizers, Postural Control and Gait Following a Unilateral Countermovement Vertical Jump Protocol

Abstract

It is generally accepted that neuromuscular overload and fatigue of one lower limb can affect the functional ability of the ipsilateral limb, and possibly the contralateral limb, increasing the likelihood of injury. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of a unilateral countermovement vertical jump (UCVJ) fatigue protocol on the neuromuscular function of the ipsilateral as well as the contralateral lower limb. The isometric strength of the hip stabilizers, postural control via posturographic analysis during the Y-Balance-Test (YBT), and the stance-phase-of-gait were assessed in 24 healthy physical active males and females before and after execution of a UCVJ fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol included 5 sets of 20 maximum UCVJs performed on the supportive leg, with a 30-s break between sets. Following a 16.8% decline in vertical jump performance and an associated 2.3-fold increase in perceived exertion, our findings revealed significant post-fatigue inter-limb differences regarding postural control. The post-fatigue inter-limb differences regarding the isometric strength of the hip stabilizers and the stance-phase-of-gait parameters were not significant. Our findings showed that a 100 UCVJs session is likely to induce significant inter-limb differences in postural control, possibly increasing the risk of lower limb injury.

Load-Induced Changes of Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Dynamic Postural Control in Healthy Subjects

“…Nevertheless, up to now, only one study investigated the influence of a physical loading protocol on inter-limb asymmetries in dynamic postural control. Konstantopoulos et al (2021) found increased inter-limb asymmetries after unilateral jumping. However, nothing is known about more global protocols better mimicking the real demands of sporting activities.…”

“…About the influence of physical load on inter-limb asymmetries in dynamic postural control is not much known yet. Konstantopoulos et al (2021) found an increase of inter-limb asymmetries in dynamic postural control measured with the YBT. Nevertheless, the protocol used in this study intended to induce local muscle stress on only one side of the body.…”

Effect of a High-Intensity Handball-Specific Fatigue Protocol Focused on the Leg Contralateral to the Throwing Arm on Interlimb Asymmetries

“…Unfortunately, the results of this study do not allow us to elucidate which is the most appropriate CMJ variant for detecting acute changes in interlimb asymmetries after performing physically demanding efforts. More extreme fatigue protocols (e.g., exercising only one leg through unilateral resistance training) should be implemented in future research to answer this research question (23). Finally, the analysis of the changes in the direction of interlimb asymmetries before and after the fatigue protocol suggests that the unilateral CMJ could provide the direction of interlimb asymmetries with greater stability than the bilateral CMJ.…”

Postural Balance Control in Sport and Exercise

“…Hence, it could be impaired by the dysfunction in any part of these systems . Accordingly, it has been shown that neuromuscular fatigue of the lower limb muscles impairs PC (Konstantopoulos et al, 2021). It seems that neuromuscular fatigue impairs the muscle mechanical properties (Bilodeau et al, 2001) and the proprioceptive system (Hiemstra et al, 2001) required for postural balance regulation.…”